Tick, tock … ready or not, 2023 is on its last hurrah and it’s time to welcome the new year. We have a few ways to help you ring in 2024, from a family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve party to a taco tasting experience, and even an all-you-can-eat slinger brunch on New Year’s Day.
Need to keep your options open? The Fountain on Locust offers three celebratory ways to ring in the New Year in its glorious Midtown, Art Deco-inspired space.
The Noon Year’s Eve party from noon to 2:30 p.m. is perfect for families, with tables of two ($100), four ($200) and six ($300) people available for reservations. Each table includes three of The Fountain’s Shareables small plates, along with a flight of mocktails, a scoop of sundae, and a sparkling cider toast for every guest.
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Early Birds Flight of Fancy ($150 per couple) option is perfect for those who don’t want to be out all night, but still want to party in style. Enjoy live music, three Shareables plates per couple, and a flight of cocktails (or mocktails), and a flight of four World’s Smallest Sundaes per guest. Each table also gets a bottle of bubbly to take home.
The Fountain’s Swinging Soiree ($65), from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., is for guests 21 and older and features live music from Vallie Golde and Miss Jubilee. Each ticket includes swing dance lessons, tarot card readings (first-come, first-served), one free drink and dessert. A cash bar will be available all night, along with a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight.
The new Yucatan-inspired eatery in the South Hampton neighborhood will have a Taco Omakase Dinner ($100) on New Year’s Eve.
The taco tasting menu will feature 15 unique Southeastern Mexican tacos and other masa products by Chef Alex Henry. An optional cocktail (or mocktail) pairing of five beverages is available for an additional cost.
The new 21c Museum Hotel’s dining destination, Idol Wolf, is throwing its first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration.
The Spanish-inspired four-course menu ($95) starts with Oysters, followed by Jamon Croquetta and Tuna on Toast. For the main course, choose either Fabada (Serrano ham) or Pacifico Bass. Leave room for Basque Cheesecake to cap off the meal.
Le Meridien’s winter pop-up, The Chalet,” will transport you to experience the feel of a luxury European ski holiday.
The Chalet will be open Dec. 30 and 31 from 2 to 6 p.m. Each ticket ($15) allows guests access to the rooftop experience, and gather under wood pergolas, fire pits and blankets, and enjoy live music and a complimentary s’mores kit. Additional food and beverage will be available for purchase. A 45-minute rental of The Chalet’s curling rink is also available.
For something different, head across the river to Grafton, Illinois, to The Loading Dock for ice-skating, a balloon drop, food and drink and fireworks!
Family-friendly festivities will be held at The Loading Dock’s ice-skating rink from noon to 10 p.m., with the restaurant’s full menu available. Ring in the new year a little early at 8 p.m. with a 2,024-balloon drop. If you stick around a little later, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the fireworks at the Grafton Lighthouse from the dining room beginning at 10 p.m. There is no charge for spectators to watch the balloon drop; admission to the rink and skate rentals are available.
For those who need to nurse their New Year’s Eve partying, Hi-Pointe Drive-In is back with its New Year’s Day Slinger Brunch at its McCausland, Chesterfield and Edwardsville locations.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Hi-Pointe is offering an all-you-can-eat, build-your-own Slinger Brunch buffet, featuring eggs, sausage patties, bacon, hash browns, tots, chili, gravy, pico and cheeses. Tickets ($20) are available at the door and include one mimosa, with a bottomless option and drink specials available for an additional charge. PJ-clad peeps are welcome!
